A Study on the Effects of Glyphosate Toxicity on the Behaviour, Haematology, and Histopathology of Stinging Catfish, <i>Heteropneustes fossilis</i> (Bloch), of Assam, India

A variety of agrochemicals, such as the herbicide glyphosate N-(phosphonomethyl)-glycine, can adversely affect fish. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of glyphosate on the behavioural, haematological, and histological parameters of Heteropneustes fossilis, a stinging catfish. The fish displayed abnormal behaviours during exposure, including increased movement of gill covers, jumping, breathing air, difficulty in movement, and changes in skin colour. The results were statistically significant (p< 0.05) and histological examination revealed enlargement of hepatocytes with pyknotic nuclei, extensive damage to the chloride cells as well as hypertrophy and fusion of secondary lamellae of gill. There was prominent deterioration to the columnar epithelial cells of the intestines, vacuolation and rupture into the lamina propria’s connective tissue, as well as the brush border epithelium’s elimination in contrast to the control. Therefore, it was suggested that the farmer should use a concentration that is suitable and won’t harm non target organisms. As an alternative, the biological way of controlling weeds needs to be preferred over the chemical method.